So, what did everyone think of the Oscars this year? 

Loved Hugh Jackman, loved the return to a more intimate, relaxed, approach – size, as I’ve said on this blog before, is not everything! – and LOVED the way all the acting nominees got a personal affirmation from a previous winner. How great to have that peer recognition!

But it got me thinking about the concept of competition and prizes as a mark of validation. Does the winning of a prize make someone a better artist? Is it necessary to have that validation to feel good about oneself?  How do we, as viewers of competitions, feed into that energy?  Do we value people because of what they win?

I don’t follow sports but I do barrack for friends who are shortlisted for literary prizes, get a thrill when Aussies win Oscars, watch the occasional equestrian event. And in some environments I can be intensely competitive – just watch me in a computer class; pick the geek not wanting to show her age…

But of course, when we stand out of the way enough to let the truly amazing and brilliant through, it’s not really coming from us at all. The value we bring to the things we do comes from two things: our capacity to get our egos out of the way so great ideas can come through; and our willingness to put in whatever’s needed to polish the gem so it sparkles.

Perhaps competition is simply a recognition of that capacity to stand aside; and the commitment to the work. And I can live with that. 

Thought I still don’t get football and cricket

The sad loss of Patrick McGoohan at age 80 has me remembering that mad and wonderful show The Prisoner, and a weekend in Harlech, Wales, while on tour with a production of Peter Pan.

I hadn’t even realised The Village was a real place until I discovered it less than 10K from my B & B.  Spent an entire day exploring what has to be one of the oddest places in the world, and marvelling at its transformation into one of the oddest places on television.

The makers of the aughties remake are shooting in Swakopmund, Namibia, which looks charming and eccentrically European. But can it possible be as surreal, weird, just plain Out There?  Portmeirion will be a tough act to follow. 

Almost as tough as Mr McGoohan.

Witnessed today at a local (corporatised) child care centre (marketed as ‘early childhood learning’ centre), a fully qualified worker who could not read the word ‘chameleon’ in a book being read to the children.

Perhaps I’m just feeling tired and emotional, but how on earth can we instill a love of reading when those charged with teaching it are not adequately prepared by their own education? Sigh

In the past 24 hours two people have inspired me.

Kate Eltham’s (Electric Alphabet) resolution to blog every day in 2009 is an ambition greatly to be admired, and yes – why not aim for the top?  I can relate to that.

I’ve just listened to Stephen Fry’s first Podgram – a wonderfully shambolic 23 minute rave from a man suffering a recent and painful injury, dopey on sleeping pills and (one hopes) high on painkillers.  Not his usual sparkling self, but still out there and speaking his mind in the public forum. So it’s okay to ramble in public and not be perfect (I can manage that).  (Podgrams available from iTunes store, for details go to Stephen’s website)

Given the only reader(s) of this blog are probably me and a few slightly bonkers mates from Bribie, I figure I should take a leaf out of Kate’s and Stephen’s books and just get on with it. Once a day and hang the perfection.

But first a disclaimer. Those who know me well know I’m a political animal who feels the need to share. I will tag any political rants as such so you can hit the delete button if you prefer. Similarly my recent passion for family history.

That’s it folks for today. Happy New Year and here’s to a year of resolutely kept resolutions.

Just watched Tim Burton’s excellent retelling of Steven Sondheim’s excellent musical retelling of the tale of Sweeney Todd.

Love the musical but we’ve been toying with yet another retelling… featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim and the inimitable stars of Warner Bros. Here’s our cast list – this won’t be remotely interesting unless you know the musical, but if you do… whaddya reckon?

Sweeney Todd – Elmer Fudd (…’these are my fwends…’)

Mrs Lovett – Bugs in drag (ain’t I a stinker)

Judge Turpin – Porky Pig (‘p-p-p-pretty women…’)

Toby – Sylvester (‘nothing’th gonna harm you, no thir, not while I’m around…’)

Johanna and Anthony – Pepe le Pieu and Tweety Pie (‘green finch and linnet bird…’)

Pirelli – Daffy Duck

Well, it may not be getting any writing done but at least it’s entertaining my brain while I’m still finishing the unpacking!!